The sun. [volume] (Morris, Stevens County, Minn.) 1882-1895, 1887-07-21
Tux PRESIDENT,
He Takes Part In = Cent .nniAl Celebration and
Tells What Pr~aident Should BE.

At centennial celebration at Clinton,
New York, on tho 18th, which was attend
ed by a vast crowd, the speeches occupied
over two hours, and with the exception OF
that by President Cleveland, were chiefly
by persons OF local fame connected ply
blood with the early settlers OF this place.
Lam inclined to content myself on this
occasion with an acknowledgment on be-
half OF the people OF the United States OF
tho compliment which you have paid to
the office which represents their sovereign
ty, but such an acknowledgment suggests
an idea which cannot refrain from dwell
ing upon for n momcnt. That the office
OF president OF United States does repre-
sent the sovereignty OF 6o,ooo,ooo OF poo
pie is. to my mind, statement full oil sol
emnity, for this sovereignty | conceive to
be the working act or enforcement OF the
divine gift of man to govern himself, and a
manifestation OF Gods plans concerning
the human race. Though the struggle oil
political parties to secure the incumbency
OF this office and he questions bic mel obs
sometimes resorted TO for its possession
may not he akin with this idea;
and though the deceit praeticed to mislead
the people in their choice and its too IRE
quent influences on their suffrage may sur
prise us, these things should never lead Ills
astrny in our estimate of this exalted pos
tion and its value Il nd dignity; and though
your fellow citizens, who may be chosen to
perform for Il time the duties OF this high
place, should be badly selected, and though
the best attninable results may not be at
tanned by his administration. yet the ex-
acting watchfulness Of the people. freed
from the disturbing turmoil OF politicaleX
element ought to prevent mischance to
the office which represents their sovereign
ty, and should reduce to minimum the
danger OF harm to the state. | by no
means underestimate the Importance OF
the.
UTMOST CARE AND cIHCUMsPECTloN
in selection of the incumbent. On the con
trary | believe there is no obligation
citizenship that demands more thought
and onscientious elaboration than this;
but am speaking Of the citizens duty to
the office ana its selected incumbent. This
duty is only performed when, in the inter
est of the entire people. the full exercise OF
the powers of chief maslstracy in insisted
on, and when for the peoples safety a due
regard for the limitations placed upon the
office is exactei. These things should be
enforced by the manifestation OF a calm
and enlightened public opinion. But this
should not be stimulated by the mad
liamor of disappointed interest, which
without regard for the general good or al
lowanee for the exercise OF official
lutlSn tnl5. Woultt dut INC
office by forcing compliance with
selfish demands. II your president should
not be of the people and one OF your fellow
citizens he would be utterly unfit for the
position, incapable OF understanding the
peoples wants, ana careless OF their desires.
That he is one OF the people implies
that he is subject to human frailty and
error; but he should be permitted to claim
but little liberation for mistakes. The
generosity OF his follow citizens shoul d
alone decree how far good intentions should
excuse his shortcomings. Watch we'll,
then. this high office. the most precious
possession OF American citizenship. De.
mand for ID the most complete devotion
on the part OF him TO whose custody it
may be entrusted. and protect ii not less
vigilantly from unworthy assaults from
without. Thus will you perform sacred
duty to yourselves and to those who may
follow you in the enjoyment OF the freest
institutions which heaven has ever vouch.
safed to man.